Landscape Contractor Discovers Pipe Bomb

A
landscape contractor in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, received quite a shock when
he happened upon what appeared to be a pipe bomb lying in the grass. Tim
Spangler, owner of Spangler’s Landscaping, was mowing the lawn adjacent to a
large road when he noticed the device. “It was kind of a surprise when mowing; you
don’t know what’s going to happen if you hit it with a mower,” said Spangler. “I
thought maybe some kids were playing, making firecrackers, and I thought, eh, it’s a little big; I better call someone.”

Authorities
responded quickly, and the Swatara Township Police Department confirmed that
the device was a PVC pipe bomb, about six inches in length, with a visible
fuse. The area was secured, but police said there was no need for evacuations.
Pennsylvania State Police bomb technicians advised that the device appeared to
be homemade and was probably loaded with black powder.

“We take
every threat seriously, and in this day and age, that’s what you have to do,”
said Rob Hicks, state police public information officer. The device was
secured, and taken by bomb technicians for proper disposal, following further
investigation of the device.